Page 92 of Crash and Burn
“If it means anything, I think she always carried a torch for you,” I say. “She tried dating here and there, but never settled down with anyone. It was like something was holding her back, and I think that something was you.”
His eyes hold years of pain behind them. I attempt to put myself in their shoes. Why would mom have cut off communication with him? Did she know she was pregnant with me and not want me growing up around the Bratva?
My eyebrows furrow. “She never told you she was pregnant?”
He shakes his head. “Though, now that I know about you, I can’t help but wonder if that’s why she was so upset when she found out about my involvement with the Bratva.”
I nod my head. I eat my salad in silence, mulling over everything he said. When the pizza arrives, I change up the subject a bit.
“Can you tell me what she was like back then?”
He grins like a kid in a candy shop and gushes about my mom. From there, our conversation flows freely. I tell him about my childhood. He tells me about Russia. By the time he takes me back to the clubhouse, I’m feeling good about our relationship. My relationship with mydad.
“Do you want to come to Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow,” I ask him. “We’re having a big dinner here tomorrow afternoon.”
“I’d like that a lot.”
“Great! I’ll see you tomorrow.” I smile at him before climbing out of the car. Rascal is sitting at a picnic table, near the car. He stands as I walk toward him.
“Hey, Princess.” He greets me with a kiss. “I need to talk to Niko real quick. I’ll meet you inside.”
I nod my head, assuming they have business to talk about and head inside.
